A four-year-old boy needed 100 stitches to his face after he was savaged by his grandmother's dog.

A four-year-old boy needed 100 stitches to his face after he was savaged by his grandmother's dog.

Harvey Swann was staying the night at his grandmother's house in Billingham when the attack took place.

The dog, described by Harvey's dad as an Alsatian, sunk its teeth into the youngster's face and tore through the skin leaving the little boy with gaping wounds above and below his eyes and to the side of his head.

The youngster was rushed to the University Hospital of North Tees before being transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital for surgery. He is now recovering at home.

He was left with 100 internal and external stitches.

The family have been told it is likely Harvey, of Fernie Road, Guisborough, will be left with lasting scars.

"I would rather it would have been me the dog attacked than Harvey," said gran Anne Davies, 50, of Marsh House Avenue.

"We're just absolutely devastated we had no idea any of this would happen, the whole thing's just broken my heart.

"Of course we had the dog put to sleep straight away."

Dad Darren, 30, was "distraught" when he learned about the attack as he was miles away working offshore.

When his employers, engineering firm Dresser Rand, learned of his plight they organised a speedy return home involving a helicopter, train and taxis.

Darren said he was so proud of how his little fighter had handled the trauma.

"I can't believe how brave he has been, he's coping better than we are," he said.

Harvey's two older brothers Jordan, nine, and seven-year-old Jacob witnessed the horror as it unfolded on Friday.

"The older one wishes it was him the dog had attacked instead of his little brother," said Darren.

Jacob was said to have retreated into himself.

Since the attack, Harvey has suffered nightmares and wakes up thinking the dog, called Blitz, is still there.

"We hope this won't have affected him long term but it's too early to say," said Darren.

The youngster recently started school at Belmont Primary and his teachers and school pals are said to be "devastated" by what has happened.

Darren along with Harvey's mum Rachel, 30, thinks it will be after half-term before he rejoins his classmates.

The family asked the Gazette to send a message of thanks to staff at the two hospitals who they said were "absolutely marvellous".